On Aug. 10, 2013, a benefit was held in honor of Zola Prati at the VFW in Russellville. Zola is 21 months old and has recently undergone a life-saving liver transplant due to a rare form of liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. This type of cancer occurs in 1.6 of every million children per year. There are only 50 to 70 new cases reported per year in the U.S.

After several rounds of chemo, Zola received a new liver, but she will have to undergo more chemo due to a nodule on her lung. As Zola and her parents work diligently to fight this horrible disease, many people and businesses have contributed to fundraisers and benefits to help pay for treatments, maintain a stable home for Zola, and travel to Little Rock and St. Louis where Zola receives her treatments.

At this time the family and friends of Zola Prati would like to extend our sincere appreciation to those who contributed to the benefit held in her honor at the VFW on Aug. 10.

First we would like to thank the VFW Post 2283 for allowing the benefit to be held at their facility and donating their time. Second, we would like to thank the Ladies Auxiliary for their monetary donation to the family. Third, a special thanks goes to the bands, Still Kick’n and Anastasia, that provided entertainment and donated their time and cover charges to Zola and her family.

Next we would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who donated items for the silent auction. These businesses and individuals include: Lefler’s River Valley Screen Printers, Heart and Soul Christian Bookstore, Bryant’s Liquidation Outlet, Let’s Celebrate, Allusions Salon, Arkansas Restoration, The Beach Shack, Hair Tech Studios, Colonial Flowers, Sportsscene, Firehouse Subs, Palm Beach Tan, Dream Designz, Inspired Designs Accessories, The Courier, Janie Hedrick, Robin Slate, Sharon Callahan, Miki Driggers, Cathy Mackey, Diana McVey, Deloris Freeman, chester and Mildred Service and Tammy Ramsey. Lastly, we would like to thank all of the people who donated their time to organize this event.

This benefit would not have been a success without the help of all the organizations and individuals listed above and out heartfelt appreciation goes to all. For more information about Zola and her continued treatments and progress please feel free to visit the Help Support Zola Prati page on Facebook.

Tammy Hedrick

Russellville

Transplantation of organs works

Monday, Aug. 26, Barbara Shepherd will celebrate 20 years with her “new heart.” Transplantation works, and hopefully everyone reading this will become an organ donor and encourage others to do likewise.

H.L. Shepherd

Russellville

Picwood Theater article this week

That was an interesting article this week. Made me remember that for years I laid claim to being the first ticket buyer at the opening day matinée at the Lowrey Theater in downtown Russellville when the new Lowrey first opened in the early 1940’s.

At that time there was a Ritz (Malco) and a New Theater on Main Street. I do not remember many details. I think it cost a dime. Mrs. Leonard used to tie John Paul’s dime up in a handkerchief, and Johnnie just had the teller try everything to get it untied.

I think the Lowreys were from Mansfield. They were a very nice family and a real asset to Russellville.

Jimmy Tucker

Russellville

Altruistic, charitable community service

Cooperation and altruistic community service are often spoken of today as disappearing values. Saturday, Aug. 3, in Mt. George, Arkansas, these qualities were shown in every way. More than 150 volunteers helped to carry groceries and hand out school supplies. Many received other services from area professionals (cosmetologists, dentists, nurses and doctors.)

Other things provided were live music for entertainment, pony and wagon rides, outdoor games, hot dogs and cookies, free Bibles, many prayers and lots and lots of love. Seventeen different churches and many private professionals volunteered their time, completely free, to help provide all these fine services to 1,000 people.

There is good in the world. There are nice people everywhere. There are folks that care about their neighbors. I am going to list the churches and businesses that worked or donated to help with Food on the Mount.

Please remember when you use these businesses that you are being served by people who care about their community and show it by their actions.

To all our volunteers, both individual and organizational: Thank you for a job well done. May you each be richly blessed for your kindness and generosity.